This is BFMV’s 5th album to date, and it’s what I would call ‘a good effort’.

I absolutely adored the 3rd album (Fever) and the 4th album (Temper Temper) was also commendable. But while this album sees BFMV sticking to their traditional mix of heavy metal and ‘slight’ screamo, it also falls very flat on it’s almost too flamboyant face.

Some of the tracks from this latest offering are worth listening to on repeat, namely ‘You Want A Battle (Here’s A War)’, ‘Hell Or High Water’, ‘Army Of Noise’ and ‘Skin’. But the rest of the tracks are just filler, seemingly added just because the band couldn’t be bothered to polish up the last few tracks and make them sound good.

Overall, if you are a fan of BFMV this album is worth adding to your collection, but if you are new to the metal scene I wouldn’t suggest starting here.

Favourite Tracks: You Want A Battle (Here’s A War), Hell Or High Water, Skin and Worthless.

So during the last year, Elbow (Guy Garvey, Richard Jupp, Craig Potter, Mark Potter & Pete Turner) have all been working on solo and collaboration projects, and this EP is more of a little treat for the fans who may have to wait until next year for another album.

I have been a fan of Elbow’s for the longest time, and each album they put out is always better than the previous one, so when I heard about this highly anticipated EP, I knew I had to have it.

The Lost Worker Bee features 4 brand new tracks: Usually Bright, Roll Call, And It Snowed and Lost Worker Bee.

The opening track Lost Worker Bee is decidedly more jovial than I was expecting. It opens with a beautifully solemn synth, leading into Guy Garvey’s trademark ethereal lyrics and sing song voice. It’s one of those tracks I found myself wanting to play again and again and again, just to get lost in the amazing lyrics and hopeful sound.

Another song that deserves attention is Usually Bright. Starting almost acoustically, it builds up into a perfect little package, coupling Guy Garvey’s brilliant lyric work with a very simple guitar track, almost unnoticeable the more the song progresses.

I am extremely glad that Elbow decided to put this EP out into the world, even if it is just 4 tracks, it’s the fact that they realised their audience may miss having them around whilst their other projects are going on.

Owl City always have and always will be one of my favourite bands, ever. This is thier 5th album, and it is truly wonderful.

The atmospheric and cosy, warm sounds of the perfectly timed synths really make you stop and just listen. I easily sat down and listened to the whole album twice in a row without even realising it.

Adam Young still remains my favourite song writer of all time, and I still can’t understand why he hasn’t won any Ivor Novello awards for his scintillating words and intriguing and cryptic stories.

Owl City had a lot to live up to following thier last album ‘The Midsummer Station’, which is my favourite of thier albums so far, but they really pulled it out of the bag this time, and I am almost certain that this is going to become my number 1 Owl City album with a few more listens.

Favourite Tracks: Thunderstruck, Unbelievable, Bird With A Broken Wing, Back Home and This Isn’t The End.

So, the former actor from the popular UK tv series ‘Skins’ can sing? I never even knew that!

As mentioned, former actor Olly Alexander has been working on this project for a very long time, even before he landed a job as a creepy stalker on ‘Skins’.

But let’s forget the fact that the Years & Years frontman is a former actor for now. His band have released an extremely polished (but not overly polished) debut album, full of soaring synths, attractive electronic drum sounds, and a huge dose of brilliant song writing. Seriously, the songs on this album all deserve a special mention each, they are that good.

Olly’s voice is powerful yet subtle, soaring yet reserved and ultimately, beautiful to listen to. This is how a debut album should sound, I really can’t find any flaws, except maybe that there should be more songs on the album!

Prides only formed as a band in 2013, but they definitely know what they are doing. The Way Back Up is thier debut album, and it is a solid one. It is a cacophony of synths, classic rock ambience and perfect song writing, all mashed up together in one brilliant package that is a mix of sound and light.

The light i’m referring to is the lyrics. The exquisite words woven through the 16 tracks creates a sound like the sun’s rays shining down on you for the entirety of the album.

But being a debut album, The Way Back Up does have it’s flaws. While they are not huge flaws and probably won’t matter to most people, I felt as if at least 2 or maybe even 3 tracks were somewhat thrown on the finished product as ‘fillers’, that is to say that while they are still decent tracks, they feel a bit rushed and not as polished as the rest.

I really think Prides have exploded onto the music scene in a dramatic way, and I really hope they stay in the music industry for as long as they can.

Favourite Tracks: Messiah, Out Of The Blue, Let It Go, Avalanche and Little Danger.

If you find yourself passing through, or planning a trip to the beautiful state of West Virginia, there is one event that you will not want to miss. Culturefest is a yearly music and arts festival that celebrates and unites people from around the globe in a way that celebrates peace and happiness. It is a four day event that is jam packed with exciting events and performances from some of the most talented artist.

One theme that is evident at the festival is unity and freedom. For four days you can forget your worries and relax in the company of other likeminded individuals. This is an event for the young and old alike since there is something for everyone to enjoy. This year was by far the most creative and colorful, and I was lucky enough to get to attend it.

Some of the highlights from Culturefest this year include a fantastic array of food offerings (including a neat crepe stand), one of a kind musical performances, and a dinosaur. I’m being serious, there was a dinosaur there! Enjoy some of the photos from this year’s event and start planning your visit to West Virginia for Culturefest 2015!

Shepherdstown, West Virginia is the oldest town in the state, but a blended atmosphere of home-grown, country, and contemporary combine with its antiquity to make it a wonderful place! There is just as much of a unique atmosphere at its Blue Moon Café. Much of the dining area is furnished outside among a shady green oasis that even includes a fountain. The menu is an affordable variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps, pizza, and a little crab. They have many vegan and vegetarian options, along with several alcoholic beverages. Blue Moon is locally sourced, meaning many of their products were grown or made right in the region. Local entertainment can even be found here at their open mic nights.

Blue Moon Café gets my “Toast Pop Approval” for its support of local agriculture, food quality, meal price, and unique dining experience outdoors! Its well-worth the walk from anywhere in the heart of town.

Take a break from decking the halls and dreaming of a white Christmas with every card you write to check out these fun facts from around the internet on the popular seasonal music:

Christmas carols and Christmas songs are used interchangeably, and there’s nothing wrong with that, because carols are basically just festive songs. Some have religious context, but not commonly used in formal church services until Saint Francis of Assisi incorporated them. The word carol comes from Greek and old French with meanings relating to songs accompanied by dance.

The Grand Hotel mentioned in “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas” is believed to be in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

“Carol of the Bells” is a Ukranian carol. It was first performed in December of 1916 at Kiev University.

The “five golden rings” line of “The Twelve Days of Chrismas” do not refer to jewelry, but instead ring-necked birds! It was also written to help Catholic children in England remember their articles of faith during Catholic persecution. (interpretations can be found here) And each item of the song would cost about $114,000 this year according to NPR.

“Jingle Bells” was actually written for Thanksgiving.

Huffington Post claims “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” is the most annoying Christmas song ever. (“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” is on my list!)

According to Business Insider, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is the most popular song ever (even as a ringtone).

“Silent Night” has had the most appearances on music charts. Some stories about the song basically say that this song was played on a guitar for a church service when the organ broke. In 2011, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared it an “intangible cultural heritage”

Summer music festivals can provide a great deal of fun and entertainment. The top music festivals are definitely something too see and remember. These events can last all day long. Therefore, it may not be a wise decision to bring small children to these outdoor events.

Bonnaroo is held in Tennessee and is one of the leading summer festivals within the US. This spectacular event is held on a 283 acre farm. In addition, all visitors get a true taste of Bjork as well as Mumford ans Sons. There are also plenty of refreshments as well as wet slides and carousel rides. This is an event that a person will remember for many years to come.

The Burning Man is one of the largest festivals held in hot Nevada desert. Over 50, 000 music fans flock to this special outdoor event. The festival begins the Monday before Labor day and lasts for five days. In addition to the festivities, a 40 foot statue called “the Man” is lit for all too see. Unfortunately, no drinks, food or showers are available at this location. Visitors must bring their own snacks and beverages.

Bumbershoot is a 3 day music gathering mixed with spectacular art shows. Bumbershoot is held in Seattle Washington. Featured bands include Passion Pit and Wanda Jackson. Once the music begins visitors can also view the spectacular works of art from all over the world. This event is called “North Americas Largest Urban Arts Festival”. Film and comedy will also be showcased at this event.

Pitchfork Music Festival is held in the heart of Chicago. The artists take center stage. Portraits and various works of art will be displayed over a three day period. Special guests include Mia and Sky Ferreira. There are many vendors present at this location. In addition, a variety of posters and paintings will be for sale.

Last but not least, you may consider visiting Ozzfest. Ozzfest is headlined by the one and only Ozzy Osbourne. This event displays a fine ollection of heavy medal and super stars that entertain a very rowdy crowd of people. This years line up will feature Tool, Deftones, Slash, Stone Spur and of course Black Sabbath. It would be best to check on line for time, place and date of this event.

Lollapaloza is also held in Chicago. Lollapaloza was established over 20 years ago by Perry Farrell. This festival includes music by Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. In addition, over 130 acts will be performed including a variety of comedy shows. Refreshments are sold at this location and plenty of seating is available to the public. You may wish to wear protective clothing to avoid the hot summer sun. Perry Farrel sure knew what he was doing when he created Lollapaloza over two decades ago.

Summer festivals are a great way to spend the summer months. Outdoor summer festivals provide a great deal of variety and entertainment. As long as you do not mind spending a good portion of the day outdoors you should have a great time.

About the Author: Michael Jones is a keen blogger whose company has provided lanyards and accessories to music festivals for years.

Relaxing in good company with good music playing in the background is a great way to wind down at the end of the day. The gentle sounds of the piano soothe away the stresses of the day like no other music, which is why piano bars have been so popular as places to recharge the batteries for many years.

Piano bars around the world have their regular clientele and a few visitors who pop in to shake off the day and make a pleasant start to the evening. You probably have your own favourite near you. But if you are away from home and want to hear those soothing piano sounds, it can be tough trying to find a place to suit your mood. So, here are five of the world’s best piano bars that are guaranteed to delight your soul.

Harry’s New York Bar, Paris

This iconic American-style bar in Paris is a favourite with office workers as well as being a must visit bar for tourists. Ernest Hemmingway and Jean-Paul Sartre downed some of Harry’s famous cocktails here and George Gershwin composed “An American in Paris’ in its underground piano bar. Patrons enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist nightly and the jazz concerts that are held twice a week.

Boisdale, London

You can enjoy a great cocktail as you relax in the London Piano Bar at Boisdale of Bishopsgate, which is popular with the locals from the nearby business district. And after your cocktails and you are ready to face the rest of the evening, the sumptuous steaks and Scottish-themed food from the restaurant with the promise of more musical entertainment make Boisdale the place to go to wind down after a hard day or just for a great night out.

Las Cuevas Del Sesamo, Madrid

If sangria, a local punch that is made from wine and brandy with fruit and a sweetener, is your drink then Las Cuevas Del Sesamo is the place for you, as its sangria is said to be the best in Madrid. This popular cave bar is always buzzing with the sound of conversation while the resident musician plays soothing melodies.

Piano Bar, Los Angeles

From modest beginnings, the British-themed Piano Bar in the heart of Hollywood has become a favourite haunt for lovers of good live music. With top quality piano music daily and a regular flow of guest musicians, the Piano Bar has a lively, but low-key, atmosphere that keeps the regulars going back for more.

L’Absinthe Bar, Antibes

Aptly named for the huge variety of absinthe on offer, L’Absinthe boasts fountains, a hat collection and vintage posters to delight the eye while sounds of the piano linger delightfully in the background. This stone-vaulted basement bar located in the market area of Antibes has a casual, relaxed atmosphere that attracts locals and visitors alike.

About The Author: This article was written by John, a live music fan from London.

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